We've been on board the Spanish galleon docked off the Isle of Wight

The Galeon Andalucia will be berthed at Trinity Landing until September 8, a faithful historical replica of the ships that sailed the world in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.

The County Press went onboard to find out more.

Guests can tour the ship's five decks and be given accounts from the crew of what it's like to operate the ship, which has been on tour this summer around Europe.

The Galleon at Trinity Landing, Cowes (Image: Alex Cooper)

The galleon simulates the experience of being on board a Spanish trading boat from centuries ago, with manoeuvres being done by hand. 

One of the three sails of the galleon (Image: Phil Norris)

She is modelled on ships that would have carried 150 people, as well as livestock and cargo.  

The Galeon Andalucia (Image: Phil Norris)

The crew are made up of officials and volunteers, ranging from students to those who are simply interested in sailing on the replica boat.

The ropes of the Galeon Andalucia (Image: Phil Norris)

One crew member, Miguel from Oviedo, Spain, joined the ship's crew from Germany three weeks ago: "It's my very first experience on the ship.

"It's great that the foundation accepts people that are just interested, it's very generous. It's a fantastic environment."

From left: David Hill, Cllr Karl Love, High Sheriff Graham Biss and Cllr John Nicholson (Image: Alex Cooper)

First among those to board the vessel were chair of the IW Council, Cllr Karl Love and his husband David Hill, High Sheriff Graham Biss and Cllr John Nicholson. 

Mr Biss said: "It's fantastic, aren't we lucky to have it on the Island?

"Well done to all the people who brought it, it's such a fantastic replication of the technology at the time."

The rigging of the galleon (Image: Phil Norris)

Also making an appearance were the Sea Gels Shanty Band, who donned their pirate hats and sang from the forecastle deck.

The ship's lower decks double as a museum (Image: Alex Cooper)

The ship's lower decks double as a maritime museum, detailing the routes that Spanish galleons used to sail and the customs and traditions of the time.

Cllr Karl Love with the Sea Gels Shanty Band (Image: Alex Cooper)

Also available to observe was the captain's office and the ship's wheel.

The captain's office (Image: IWCP)

Tickets for adults to board the vessel are £12, with children's tickets (five to ten years) £6.